TariffsHS
Harmonized System (HS)
Also known as: HS Code, Harmonized Commodity Description, SA
An international 6-digit nomenclature developed by the WCO for classifying goods in international trade, used by over 200 countries worldwide.
What is the Harmonized System?
The Harmonized System (HS) is an international nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) that classifies goods in international trade using 6-digit codes. It serves as the foundation for every country's national tariff schedule, including the U.S. HTS and Mexico's TIGIE.
Key facts
- Used by over 200 countries and economies
- Covers more than 98% of international trade
- Updated every 5 years by the WCO
- First 6 digits are universal across all countries
- Countries add national digits (Mexico: 8 total, U.S.: 10 total)
2022 Amendment
The seventh HS amendment took effect January 1, 2022, incorporating changes for new technologies, controlled substances, and environmental products.
Examples
- HS subheading 8471.30 identifies portable data processing machines (laptops) worldwide.
- Mexico uses 8471.30.01 and the U.S. uses 8471.30.0100 — both start from the same HS 8471.30.
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An 8 or 10-digit numerical code that identifies a specific product within Mexico's tariff schedule (TIGIE), determining applicable duties and regulations.
TariffsTIGIE (Mexico Tariff Schedule)
Mexico's official tariff schedule containing all tariff classification codes, descriptions, and duty rates for imported and exported goods.
TariffsTariff Classification
The process of assigning the correct tariff code to a product within a country's tariff schedule, determining applicable duties and regulations.
TariffsGeneral Rules of Interpretation (GRI)
A set of 6 hierarchical rules established by the WCO that determine how to classify goods when their classification is not immediately clear from the tariff nomenclature.
